desant89

Well, I finally got my 03x to the track. I am sure it takes practice, by my hardest part was smoking the tires. Run1 I tried in 2nd gear, then get my foot to the brake. I must of have hit it too hard (and hit rev limit) and stalled. Of course since this was my first time ever, I paniced, started back up, and then made the run? Did I forget something after the stall? Sure did....Forgot to go back into Comp mode. I ran a 13.323 with traction on.
Run2: (2 hours later., oil spill on track). Just dumping in 2nd to smoke, no brakes. I laid into it so hard the first time, and this time also went to hard. I got sideways in 2nd, and had to almost stop (15.2).
Run3: I ended up running a 13.35 @ 113.14 again with a horrific 2.517 60'
Man, I need some major practice. I am definitely trying Ranger's technique, and am fine once I get into 2nd, but man is it tough to launch wihtout experience. I am sure not heating the tires up hurt me bad also. Here is my last run in detail, I tached at 2500 on launch perhaps someone can make some suggestions, and analyze how bad I did after the launch. Nerves played a part too as I know I shifted out of first at 5k on this run, not sure why! All other shifts seemed perfect at like 64-6500:
60' 2.571
330 6.164
1/8 8.975 @ 88.65
1000 11.349
1/4 13.355 @ 113.14

Quick Silver Z

I'm know expert but Ranger is! Memorize his techniques and go though the steps while waiting in line. It's all about the launch, if you go up in smoke that's too heavy on the gas (from what I read). I don't think too many guys come away satisfied on there first trip to the strip. Hang in there, think of how much time you will knock off with experience!

meldog21

Disappointing, it's not the first time I've read "track" when someone was referring to drag strip. Will we ever get this straightened out? Drag strip is where you do 1/4 or 1/8th runs. Race track is where you do laps.

Dog

26myles

May I have your attention, please! Would all Corvette Forum members please rise and give Meldog a standing ovation for this profound piece of knowledge which has enlightened us...now we know the difference.

Desant89....Read all you can about learning and as they say...practice,practice and practice and you will get into the 12's before long. Before you race, sit in your car and do some mental imagery, seeing yourself making the right moves and think and use positive imagery!!! You will improve.

desant89

Thanks for the tips everyone. Does my timeslip say anthing about the rest of the run? I know the 60 was horrific, but how bad was the rest?I will be practicing frequently. I will also be sure not to call the drag strip a track as I am sure that will also help improve my time....

Z06David

What were your reaction times? Reaction times play a huge role.

desant89

To be honest, I was not even paying attention really. I was just interested in my run itself. Since the reaction time is not counted into the overall 1/4 mile time, I did not think it was relevant. However it was a .956 on the last run. Again, I did not try ot get a good reaction time though. I did not een realize the lights were going to start moving as soon as I staged. I was not ready.

Maverick31

Reaction time plays NO role in your 1/4 mile times.

Z06Electron

what were the track conditions?

What were other cars running. Numbers aren't going to be GREAT at every track. Measure yourself more against other cars the same day. What were stock C5's running?

desant89

GARY2004Z06 from the forum was there with his stock 04 Z06, and ran a 12.1 on his first run. I met another 03 Z06 owner who also had abone stock one that ran a 12.6 on his first run. I know it is me. I just need some major practice. My biggest problem is the burnout right now as I am not comfortable getting to the brake. Anyone ever use line locks on a Z06?

resipsa

Sounds like you are nailing the throttle as you release the clutch. Raise the rpms to about 3000, fast release the clutch while holding the rpms at 3000. The car should only spin about 10 feet and then ho ok. Then gradually squeeze the throttle to the floor without overpowering the tires again. This is much easier said then done. Many people find it hard to resist flooring the throttle immediately as the clutch is engaged, thus even with a relatively low rpm start, excessive wheelspin is experienced along with a slow 60 foot time.

desant89

resipsa, I guarantee you hit the nail on the head. I am almost sure that is what I am doing. Even in second which caused me to go sideways on my second run. I will be more conscious oif that next week when I go for the second time. Thanks!

hpfiend

Don't feel bad a car capable of mid to low 12s is very difficult to drive on street tires, being a second off is not out of the oridinary. Its all practice. My dad ran a 14.0 @ 105 on the same car that I and he both ran a 13.0 @ 109 and a series of 12.3-12.5s @ 113-115 with NO CHANGES but shift rpm and launch.

Also- on the line lock depends on how often you go to the track- I wouldn't suggest it for a newbie as it is not the easiest installation and I am sure brake bleeding with the high tech abs/active handling etc is not fool proof. True burnouts are murder on your rear brakes and can warp your rotors/glaze your pads but if you are only going 2-4 times a year and doing 2-5 passes you should be fine.

I put one on my mustang because with slicks it is harder to hold back without one and it I don't have ABS, and I also wanted to try one- they are definitely neat but I don't even go often enough to really justify it and definitely wouldn't open up the brakes on a car that cost over 50K and cut holes in the interior to mount the switch. shift handle buttons are too obvious and the hurst shifter button that mounts below your **** interferes with shift boots and looks terrible.

robz

Welcome to drag racing. It's a fun ride. Let us know next time you go and maybe we can get a few cars to meet up and give you pointers.

desant89

Right now I am shooting for this coming Tuesday. I will have to wait until the weekend to confirm. Thanks!

resipsa

I may go to Atco tomorrow to practice what I preach.

DerekT

It is hard, I went out twice this year and both times my best was 13.4@ 108mph....With a 2.3 60' But the season is over this year so I guess I will go again next spring with more practice.

Diamond

The line-loc is handy at the strip. Much easier on your brakes also.